Riad Borj El Baroud

Mohammed was so kind, cheerful, and helpful, and made sure we got the room we needed. Our double room was spacious, and the location was great, just a 2-minute walk from the Medina shops.

The team were incredibly kind and accommodating. Amil, the manager, and everyone working there when we visited about two weeks ago were lovely. Our room, number 4, was spacious, very clean, and had a comfortable bed. The only issue was the bathroom. The shower door didn’t seal cleanly, so the floor got soaked even with the floor towel, and an adjustable shower head would be useful. Those are small things, though, and wouldn’t put us off staying again.

The location is great, just 2 minutes from the Medina activity, and the staff were friendly. The shower had hot water and good pressure, and they speak fluent English, which was a plus. But the basics were lacking: no towel hook or place to put soap in the shower. Breakfast was simple by Moroccan standards, with coffee, tea, Moroccan pancakes, a couple of dips, and basic eggs, not the elaborate or made-to-order kind you get at nicer riads. Sleep was the big problem. There’s no AC or fan, so you need the breeze from an open window, but then you hear drummers entertaining tourists downstairs until after midnight and very loud seagulls early in the morning. We were charged for bottled water at the end, even though they’d offered it to us. Many riads provide a bottle for free; it costs foreigners $0.60 at a kiosk, and likely less at wholesale for locals.

I’ve traveled widely over the years, and this riad has become a calm place to return to from Essaouira’s busy, chaotic streets. Ali, the owner, made me feel at home right away. I arrived without expecting much, but left knowing I’ll keep coming back.